What others have said

Since 1984, thousands of participants have enjoyed the varied language and cultural courses at Oideas Gael. The innovative project created by Oideas Gael has attracted much national and international media attention. Here are some excerpts...

“Given the rich folklore and natural beauty on the centre's doorstep, outdoor pursuits are also interwoven into the itinerary. One afternoon, I embark on a guided hike towards St Colmcille's chapel ruins, beneath the magnificent backdrop of the Slieve League Cliffs. With views and heritage like this, no wonder they call it the Celtic Camino.” — Thomas Breathnach, 'The Getaway: A Gaeltacht adventure in Donegal', Independent.ie (July 19, 2015)

“'I met Americans, Swiss, Australians and even an Israeli soldier learning the cupla focal [few words],' says Sarah Ryder, assistant commissioning editor at RTÉ, who brushed up her skills in the island’s north west. 'The setting is amazing and it’s the best fun. Like being on a school trip, but with no curfew!' New Yorker Séamas Ó Feinneadh found himself in at the deep end at Oideas Gael, too. 'My teacher spoke a mile a minute, but she and the rest of the class were sympathetic, and convinced me – the only Poncán (Yank) – to remain in the class. It was such a thrill being among Irish speakers that I really didn't care what class I was in.'” — 'Hollywood goes Irish', Ireland.com (May 2015)

“Oideas means “formula”, and a key principle is that relaxation and lack of pressure are central to the learning process... The effect is magical, as the mysteries of the spoken tongue are revealed. We learn to distinguish sounds, (“dhá dhath dheasa”), recognise seven different Ls and cope with the trickiest of beasts, the “ng” which arises when “in Galway” becomes i nGaillimh. The “ng” sound is the same as that of “song” or “long” and only confuses because it appears at the start of a word.” — Michael McCaughan, 'Back to the Gaeltacht: an adult emigrant returns to learn Irish', The Irish Times (August 14, 2015)

“I went off to the Gaeltacht, to Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, and they really motivated me, and I made friends through the language. And when you see it as this living thing then the courses don't matter, you can get your point across and it makes the world of difference.” — Benny Lewis (Fluent in Three Months), The Saturday Night Show (April 2014)

“'The importance of Glencolumcille in terms of Ireland’s archaeological heritage cannot be overstated,' said Dr. Herity. 'The Neolithic and early Christian remains here are in very good condition, and reveal much for scholars as well as curious visitors.'” — Kathleen M. Mangan, 'Archaeologist Michael Herity', Donegal Democrat (September 17, 2015)

“The thing is, just because you’re having fun doesn’t mean you’re not learning. In fact, the opposite is true… having fun makes it possible for you to learn more effectively. You relax, you make friends, you let go of your inhibitions. You find yourself trying more… worrying less about the mistakes. That’s a big (huge!) key when it comes to conversation. You CAN’T hold a conversation if you’re constantly running to the dictionary or the grammar book. You have to let go.” — Audrey Nickel, 'Donegal Diaries 1: Back to Oideas Gael!', Bitesize Irish Gaelic (September 3, 2013)

“Visit Oideas Gael, one of the hidden gems of Donegal’s Gaeltacht area and leave with Irish language phrases that will connect you with the people you meet on your wild Atlantic Way journey. Oideas Gael has attracted hundreds of participants annually to its highly acclaimed language courses and cultural programmes. Irish people, drawn from all backgrounds, constitute up to half of those attending, while the remainder travel, especially from numerous other parts of the world, to attend.” — 50 Secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fáilte Éireann (July 2013)

“A quixotic pursuit in a remote corner of Donegal. Just what prompted me to devote a week-almost 50 rigorous hours of class time-to the study of the Irish language at the Oideas Gael summer school in Glencolmcille, Donegal, I cannot fully explain...” — Zane Berkins, 'Coming to Grips with Gaelic', The New York Times (September 3, 1989)

'The Irish Language: An Overview and Guide' by Darerca Ní Chartúir is a book that provides a wealth of information to all those interested in the language. And its appendix contains a story written for the book by an American who attended a summer course at Oideas Gael. The story gives a vibrant description of his experiences at the school.“Irish Language School Superb Cultural Experience” — (January 2002, Avena Press)

“An increasing number of Protestants are showing an interest in the Irish language, a language that they regard as being part of their own heritage... Says Liam. Peoples' reasons for learning Irish are as varied as the people who come to us... During the summer, Gleann Cholm Cille takes on a truly international flavour, with people from countries like America, Germany, Austria, France and Japan... A little taste of heaven.” — Ian Malcolm, 'A tradition that's hard to keep down', Newsletter, Belfast (July 22, 1996)

“Oideas Gael is proud of the advanced techniques used by the teachers on its courses and many of the Irish language teachers, based in Britain, have spent a week or two in Glencolmcille to see how they do things there. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin said to me, "It was tremendous to see the level of interest that exists in England. People who learn the language there, despite the difficulties involved, are an example to the people of Ireland.” — 'Sharing a Learning Experience', The Irish Post, London (12 May, 1990)

“Over in the corner of the pub I saw a stocky local lad, sunk low on a stool, nursing his pint. He was the epitome of Irish reserve, hiding his blunt face from the crowd, as his fellow men and women crowed, "C' mon Jimmy, give us a song". After a few minutes of gentle coercion, Jimmy slowly drained his beer, stood up and began singing The Ballad of Glencolmcille, his throaty treble crooning a Gaelic love song to his birthplace.” — John McMillan, 'The Lost Language of the Celts', The Globe and Mail, Toronto ( August 8, 1998)

“I really enjoyed my most recent weekend in Oideas Gael… it is very important, I feel, to immerse myself in this all-Irish environment from time to time, because the opportunities to speak as Gaeilge down here are very few and far between.” — Darrig Ó Fáinín, 'Na Créatúir den Ár Imshaol', The Midland Tribune and Tullamore Tribune (Bealtaine 2008)

“To experience the ‘real’ Ireland, look beyond the beauty and immerse yourself in the culture ... to get to the heart of the Irish experience, you’ll want to get out of the car and delve into the culture, particularly the 6,000 years of history and the craic (good times) among the locals ... For a sampling of Irish culture, Glencolmcille, located in a Gaeltacht district of County Donegal, is a stronghold of Gaelic language and age-old traditions. Here, you can explore Irish culture and learn new skills at Oideas Gael.” — Kathleen M. Mangan, 'The Heart of the Irish Experience', AAA World Magazine (March–April 2009)

“Remote as Glencolmcille is, observes Charles Lysaght, it attracts a diverse gathering of people to Donegal each year, wishing to immerse themselves in Irish language and culture... In a place like Glencolmcille the joy and laughter of that pure-souled enthusiasm is rekindled. It is one of the most enriching experiences I have come across in this country.” — Charles Lysaght, 'Use of strong language', Sunday Independent, Dublin (July 7, 1996)

“Young, free agus singil... Even set dancing can vertically express a sexual desire'. Djinn Gallagher travelled to Oideas Gael in County Donegal, "and had as much fun as you can have with your clothes on... outside in the warm starry night, the students exchange addresses and feel sad.” — Djinn Gallagher, 'Reminiscing on the summers of their youth, adults come to Glencolmcille to learn Irish...and find romance', The Sunday Tribune, Dublin (17 July 1994)

“In the magic valley of Glencolmcille in south Donegal, a second community project is under way which has as one of its many aims the staunching of the death-wound, which has bled this isolated society of so much.” — Victoria White, 'Forget the stereotypes — At least they can't say no one shouted stop', Fortnight Magazine, Belfast (July/August 1993)

“It's a special place in an unspoiled environment-an escape from the clamour and pollution of cities for Irish and foreigners alike. The captivating landscape is dominated by sheer cliffs and a restless Atlantic.” — Donna Maloney, 'Captivating Irish Village a rarefied retreat', The Toronto Star (July 1, 1989)

“In the heady days of summer, Joseph Fitzpatrick followed the footsteps of Colmcille to Donegal to learn Irish and came home with an inspiration for life... At Oideas Gael I met in a week more nationalities and personalities than I would normally experience in a year... Liam says of Oideas Gael, "It has to be the most amazing experience of my life. People are drawn to what we are doing. There is an enrichment that brings people back year after year."” — Joseph Fitzpatrick, 'The Glen where visions are born', The Irish News, Belfast (November 22, 1997)

“Is mise Xavi agus is as Catalunya mé. Just a few words to say that last August I attended a course on Irish for absolute beginners at Oideas Gael. The quality of the teaching was excellent and the atmosphere was beyond compare. Lovely Irish music everywhere, good-humoured dances at the ceili, beautiful landscapes and friendly people always willing to talk to you. Go raibh math agat.” — Mac léinn de chuid Oideas Gael